Who painted Portret van een man?

Portret van een man was painted by Adrianus de Visser in 1798.

Where can I see Portret van een man?

Portret van een man is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Portret van een man?

Portret van een man is associated with Biedermeier.

Artwork

Portret van een man

Adrianus de Visser , 1798

Portret van een man is a copper painting by the Biedermeier artist Adrianus de Visser. It dates from 1798 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

This is a round portrait of a man with a serious face. He has curly white hair tied back and a black coat with a high collar. The dark background makes his face stand out clearly.

The painting is on copper, which is unusual for portraits. The artist signed it in the corner with the date 1795.

Next, look up chiaroscuro to see how light and shadow create depth in paintings.

Overview

Adrianus de Visser’s portrait of an unidentified gentleman dates from the late eighteenth century and is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection. Executed on a circular copper plate, the work measures a modest size and presents a solitary figure against a deep, unlit background, emphasizing the sitter’s features through stark contrast.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter appears solemn, his expression marked by a furrowed brow and direct gaze. White, tightly curled hair is gathered at the back of his head, and he wears a black coat with a pronounced, high collar, suggesting a formal or possibly official status. The dark backdrop isolates the figure, focusing attention on his visage and attire.

Technique & Style

The artist employed copper as a support, a material less common for portraiture, allowing for fine detail and a luminous surface. De Visser’s handling of light and shadow reflects a chiaroscuro approach, where illuminated areas on the face and coat contrast sharply with the surrounding darkness, creating a three‑dimensional effect on the flat plane.

History & Provenance

Signed by de Visser in the lower corner with the date 1795, the work was likely completed a few years later, around 1798, as indicated by museum records. It entered the Rijksmuseum’s holdings through acquisition in the early twentieth century, where it remains on display as an example of Dutch portraiture on copper.